Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 750: Overdoing Things
In the alley at the street corner,
Only the sound of the wheels turning could be heard when the carriage was moving, and there was not even a ghost in sight around. I guess this was a well-planned route.

inside the car,

Fan Wenhai's words left Crown Prince Zhou Zhengbai confused. How did this matter come about? Was it his father's return to the capital, or was it his meeting with the retired emperor tonight?
"Teacher, I don't understand. How can you help me solve my confusion?"

"Don't worry, my lord. Listen to me carefully. The emperor's cultivation in the palace is fake. It's just a cover-up. Taoism emphasizes governing by doing nothing. But didn't the emperor also say that human relations always exist, just like the river, which always flows from west to east? Now that he's here and the emperor knows about it, it depends on what he wants to do next. However, in my opinion, your majesty is moved."

After a pause, Fan Wenhai thought about the situation in the capital and the civil servants in the court. After the imperial examination is over, the case of the Ningguo Mansion of the Jia family will probably not be delayed any longer. Therefore, if the emperor wants to take any action, he will inevitably have to contact the nobles in the capital. These are all opportunities for them. Another point is that the fact that the prince of a vassal state is coming to the capital may be difficult to conceal.

Zhou Zhengbai's face was filled with joy. Wouldn't that mean his father could return to the capital?

"As long as my father can return to the capital, there will be a chance."

"Prince, you must keep calm at this moment. Not only yourself, but also the princes of other palaces. As the saying goes, a red flower needs green leaves to match. With others around, the prince will have more strength. When the time comes, it won't be just the prince who will return to the capital."

Although Fan Wenhai was not completely sure in his heart, he was almost certain. However, when he returned to the capital, several princes would come. Even the West Prince's family or the South Prince's family would not know how to react if they got the news.

These are all minor matters. What Fan Wenhai is most alert about is the reaction of His Majesty! The emperor is a very tolerant person. In addition, the Imperial Guards, the Imperial City Division, and most of the troops in the Beijing Camp are under His Majesty's control. His wings have long been full. In addition, the most capable Luo Yunhou and his 10,000 elite troops are unshakable. Although the prince's hope of entering the capital has been achieved, that position is getting farther and farther away.

Others can't see clearly, how can he not understand Fan Wenhai's planning for more than ten years! The opportunity has passed, and there is no way to turn the tide. The prince can only give up, unless one thing is that the current emperor dies before the emperor, and the three princes are not yet twenty years old, then there will be a chance, but on second thought, how is it possible? Your Majesty is in his prime and energetic, and your Majesty is not interested in women, and has no other bad habits. Even among the civil and military officials in the capital, how many people can do this? As brave as Luo Yunhou is, he is just a lustful and reckless man. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration for the current emperor to be called a wise monarch.
On the contrary, the health of the retired emperor of Changle Palace is getting worse every year. What happened after the new year, the eclipse of the moon and the turning of the earth dragon, may be a warning.

"Yes, Master, I know how to do it. Please rest assured."

Zhou Zhengbai seemed to understand what the teacher said, but he knew that what the teacher said must make sense, so he agreed.

"Well, that's good. These days, you should cultivate your character and have a good rest. Wait for the Enke to be over, and then we can watch the show. By then, the capital will be bustling. If you really have nothing to do, you can disguise yourself and go out to relax."

"is teacher!"

After the master and the disciple finished their conversation, the carriage fell silent again. The carriage turned and headed straight for East City. The most dangerous place was actually the safest place. The manor of Zuixianlou was right under the nose of the Imperial City Bureau.

Hanyuan Hall,
Near the tent,

Zhang Jinyu returned to the big tent and asked someone to bring a stool. He and Ning Bian and others held a large bowl and drank the freshly cooked mutton soup. There was also a large piece of mutton in the bowl.

I leaned over the edge of the bowl and sipped it. The mutton stew was delicious. After one mouthful, I felt warm and energetic.

"Come on, come on, what are you standing there for? Go get a bowl of soup over there. It's freezing cold in the middle of the night."

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

Zhang Jinyu called out, and the soldiers around him, led by Ning Bian, brought a large bowl of soup each, and drank it beside the Marquis. Ning Bian also handed over a piece of naan bread that he had obtained from somewhere.
Zhang Jinyu's eyes lit up. What was it? Mutton soup steamed bun, the best in the world. He took it and tore it into pieces, put it in the bowl, and ate it heroically without any manner.

After a while,

After eating a big bowl of mutton, he woke up from his sleepiness. He looked around and saw the guards who were taking turns also started to change shifts after eating and drinking. He looked at the sky and saw the bright moon. Tomorrow will be another sunny day. The sun is good. Thinking about tonight, it is the first night. Tomorrow is the second. Before sunset on the third day, the dragon gate will be opened. Even if the examination is over, the most important thing is tonight. He gave the order;

"Ningbian, take two people with you and let's go to the back hall to check if there is anything missing."

"Yes, my lord, the brothers are all here and can go anytime."

Ning Bian put down his bowl and chopsticks, wiped his mouth, stood up and walked to the other side of the big tent to greet people. Zhang Jinyu wiped his mouth with a brocade cloth. It must be said that the cooking skills of this chef are quite good. The big pot dishes are very delicious.

Seeing that everyone was coming, Zhang Jinyu shook his sleeves and led the way to the western tent, which was guarded by the Imperial Guards and the Imperial City Administration. The three princes slept in the same big tent, but Marquis Xiangyang was not used to sleeping there, so he went back to his carriage and made his bed. It was really - Tsk tsk tsk tsk.
As soon as he arrived at the tent, the guards saw him from a distance and bowed to him.
"See the Commander-in-Chief!"

"Brothers, you have worked hard. When you change shifts, go over and have a bowl of broth to warm your body. Also, how are the three princes?"

Zhang Jinyu touched her belly, pointed to the big tent behind her and said,
"Thank you, Commander-in-Chief. The three princes have been sleeping in the tent and have not gone out. They are surrounded by their brothers. In half an incense stick of time, two rounds of patrols will pass by here. There are also people from the Imperial City Bureau in the dark opposite."

The imperial guards did not dare to neglect and told the deployment of the guards. The imperial guards on the opposite side also ran over and bowed one by one.

"I am He Yixiu, a centurion of the Imperial City Division of the Prince of Jin's Palace. I am here to see the commander-in-chief."

"Well, Captain He, you've worked hard. Is there a rotation?"

Zhang Jinyu looked around and found that he was the only official here, and where were the imperial guards?

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, there are three shifts a day, and they all have a fixed number. The same goes for the Imperial Guards. At this time, Deputy Commander Jiang is leading the Imperial Guards on patrol."

Captain He was afraid that the Marquis might misunderstand him, so he hurried to explain. The Marquis was very strict in disciplining the army, and if there was a misunderstanding, Commander Jiang would be in trouble.
"Well, that's good. If anyone dares to neglect me, don't blame me for neglecting him. Follow me into the tent and take a look."

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

A group of people gathered at the entrance of the big tent and opened the curtain. Zhang Jinyu led the way inside, followed by the others. Although the tent was spacious, it was obviously crowded with three beds. They lit the oil lamp and looked around. They indeed saw the three princes sleeping on the bed, each talking in their sleep. Seeing that the three princes were fine, Zhang Jinyu waved his hand and everyone left one by one.
Outside the big tent,
Zhang Jinyu blew out the oil lamp in his hand and handed it to Captain He. At this time, Commander Jiang of the Prince of Jin's Mansion also came with his patrol. When he saw that it was Marquis Luo Yun, he quickly bowed and saluted.

"Meet the Commander-in-Chief,"

"Well, Commander Jiang, you have worked hard. You stay here and divide the Jin Palace Guards into two groups. One group will guard the big tent, and the other side will let the brothers take turns to drink some hot soup. Don't be too harsh, but no one can leave here."

"Yes, sir, I understand."

Zhang Jinyu looked at the imperial guards in front of him, all of whom had tired looks on their faces, and he couldn't bear it. After all, they were in the palace, and there was no need to be too strict. They could take a rest, but the guards were not allowed to leave the tent. Although they were in the palace, they had to take precautions.

Patting Commander Jiang on the arm, Zhang Jinyu led his men to the back hall of Hanyuan Palace. As they walked away, the captain of the imperial guards on duty at the door suddenly spoke with emotion,
"Commander Jiang, everyone said that Marquis Luo Yun was too harsh, but now it seems that's not the case,"

Jiang Zongyue turned around, glared at the captain fiercely, and cursed;

"Stop talking nonsense. You must be angry if you dare to talk about the Marquis here."

"Uh, my Lord Commander, I know I was wrong."

The captain was so frightened that he quickly admitted his mistake. He had indeed spoken without restraint just now. If the marquis heard it, he would be skinned alive if not killed.

"That's good to know. Since you can come to the palace to serve, you must abide by the rules. Remember, we are no longer the imperial guards, but the palace guards. The Marquis is the commander-in-chief. If he really asks, none of you can stay. Even if you want to go back, there is no way. Do you understand?"

Jiang Zongyue's eyes turned cold and he stared fiercely at the soldier in front of him. It was not that he was cruel, but since he had entered the palace, some things should have been made clear long ago, especially to these subordinates who had followed him for so long. If they committed a crime due to their lack of eyesight, would he protect them or not?
The imperial guards in front of him all looked solemn and clasped their fists in response:
"Yes, Commander Jiang."

"Very good. As the Marquis said, we will split into two groups. One group will go to eat, and the other group will stay. After eating, we will take turns."

"Here!"

Soon, the two groups of people split up and went their separate ways. Only He Yixiu, a centurion of the Imperial City Division, looked thoughtful. The flag bearer beside him swallowed his saliva.

"Sir, the Imperial Guards seem to have given in."

"Hmph, if you dare not obey, the Marquis will not indulge them. Go and divide the brothers into two groups, and go over there to drink some hot soup and warm up."

"Yes, sir." Xiaoqi's face lit up, he responded, and ran into the darkness.

The rear hall of Hanyuan Hall,

The doors and windows were all closed, especially the corridor in the back hall, which was locked with copper locks. Zhang Jinyu could only enter from the main entrance of the hall with his companions. He glanced at the examination area and saw that there was no one except the examiners and guards on duty. Zhang Jinyu followed the road and headed straight for the corridor in the back hall. This was his second time coming in. The day before yesterday, he was busy with the affairs in the front hall and did not come in to take a look.
Following the corridor, I entered the side hall. I saw that the hall was full of beds with partitions. The candidates slept on the beds, with various fox fur coats spread on them and curled up inside. It seemed that they were children of officials and did not suffer any grievances in the examination. Think about those students in the Imperial Examination Hall, who must be freezing in the examination room now.

Words,

This is unfair in itself. Zhang Jinyu realized that the candidates in the palace were protected from wind and rain and slept soundly in their houses. However, the examination hall of Lord Nan was cold and damp. The poor students had no money to buy those fox fur coats. Many people were shivering with cold and had no mind to take the exam. He couldn't help but sigh and laugh at himself. There was no fairness in the world.

"Master Hou, are you okay?"

"Well, it's okay. I just feel a little emotional. I wanted to treat these officials' children more harshly, but who would have thought that it would help them instead. Look how soundly these people sleep. I guess the people in the Imperial Examination Hall are not so lucky."

Ning Bian's question made Zhang Jinyu speak out his frustration. Looking at the crowd in front of him, some students fell asleep immediately, snoring loudly, while others lay there with their heads covered, apparently sound asleep. Zhang Jinyu felt a little sleepy.

"My Lord, there have always been people of high and low rank, and nothing is perfect. I heard that it was because of your advice that the imperial examination was divided into two sessions. Many civil and military officials secretly thanked you, and they all said that you are loyal to the court, which may be a good thing."

Zhang Jinyu was stunned when he heard this, but when he thought about it carefully, it was indeed an unintentional act, but it actually brought him other benefits. How do you say this, it was an unexpected surprise.

"That's enough. Good or bad, it's like this after all. Whether they are grateful or not is their business. As for the people of the world, I hope they don't blame us. I won't look at this place anymore. Let's go back."

"Yes, my lord!"

The whole hall was filled with the sound of snoring. The examiners who were patrolling everywhere were also drowsy and only kept their eyes open during inspections. Never mind, there was no need to be too harsh on them. They led the people back. The most important thing was that when Zhang Jinyu left, his eyes fell on Jia Lan who was sleeping in front of him. Seeing that he was sleeping soundly and everything was fine, he went back. After all, the play in Rongguo Mansion still needed Jia Lan to be the protagonist. As for Jia Baoyu, the supporting role could not be left out. I just didn't know how to report the good news of those who had passed the exam this year. Thinking of His Majesty continuing to use the recommendation letter this year, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

The city of Jinling in the south of the Yangtze River,

At the South Gate,

As Eunuch Yang's motorcade entered the city, everything Jia Yucun did seemed silent in the rainy night.

When we arrived at the pier,
The crowd got on the carriages, led by soldiers and servants, and rode non-stop all the way. They actually went around the South Gate and entered Jinling City.
The officials summoned by Lord Jing were having a banquet in the attic of the West Gate, and seemed to have forgotten about it.
Entering the streets of South City,

Jia Yucun led the way in front, and after a while, they turned into a restaurant on the south bank of Jinghu Lake. This was the most wonderful place in the south of the Yangtze River, the spring of the south of the Yangtze River.

Stop the carriage.

Jia Yucun walked up to Eunuch Yang's carriage holding an oil umbrella and said:

"Eunuch Yang, we have arrived. This is where Lord Shen is going to host a banquet for the eldest eunuch."

"Well, okay, thank you for your hard work, Magistrate Jia,"

inside the carriage,
Eunuch Yang's soft voice came, and although he praised him, the eunuch did not get off the car. Jia Yucun suddenly realized that this was not the place for the eunuch to stay, and immediately shouted to the surrounding officers;

"Hurry up, move all the things in front of you so that the bicycle can be put in. Hurry up,"

"Yes, my lord."

The attendants who followed him all ran forward and moved away the furnishings and messy things around the gatehouse. Eunuch Yang's carriage then continued on its way. Jia Yucun pulled Hu Wenxuan and signaled him to follow.

The noisy noise outside naturally reached the attic.
Si Yujin, the housekeeper beside Shen Wanhe, frowned and asked;

"Why is it so noisy outside?"

"Replying to the chief steward, I don't know,"

"If I don't know, I won't go out and take a look."

The angry shout startled the servants around and one of them ran out immediately.

Shen Wanhe, who was inside the house, was wearing a coarse cloth gown, a wooden hairpin in his hair, and patches on his trouser legs.

At this time, Shen Wanhe, holding a brush, actually wrote a copybook in the attic. Hearing the noise outside, he comforted;

"Why get angry? It's better to be calm. What's supposed to come will come naturally, and what's not supposed to come won't come either."

As soon as he finished speaking, the tip of the pen moved, and the last stroke was completed. However, there were only two words written on the rice paper: "Zen". The pen tip was gentle and restrained. The two words together were quite artistic.

"Yes, sir, some servants are not sensible if they are not disciplined, and I am a little anxious."

Before the official could speak again, Lan Zhongqi, the head of Shen Wanhe's personal guard, hurried over, stood outside the curtain, clasped his fists, and said anxiously;
"Master, a group of soldiers have arrived at the gate. There are runners from the prefectural government and people from the Imperial City Department. There are only two carriages, and one of them has already entered the inner courtyard and barged in."

Shen Wanhe paused, thinking to himself, what is coming will eventually come, but there are only two carriages. The one with the prefect's servants must be Lord Jia, the prefect. As for the other one, it must be someone from the Imperial City Bureau. Could it be Eunuch Yang who has come? Then why aren't Lord Jing and the others here? It's interesting.

"Butler Si, prepare the banquet. Zhongqi, follow me to welcome the eunuch."

"Yes, sir."

After tidying up his clothes, Shen Wanhe smiled and led his men down the attic.

Just went downstairs,
I saw a carriage rushing in. After it stopped, I saw Jia Yucun, the prefect of Jinling, accompanying the carriage. I opened the curtain and saw a eunuch in a gorgeous brocade robe, a golden turtle crown on his head, a golden belt around his waist, and blue cloud boots getting off the carriage. This person should be Eunuch Yang from the capital.

Shen Wanhe did not dare to neglect and hurried forward to kneel down.

"I am Shen Wanhe, a commoner. I greet the eunuch. May the eunuch be safe and sound."

"Well, okay, okay, you are Shen Wanhe?"

Eunuch Yang looked at the man in front of him. He was wearing a coarse cloth gown that was patched up, and he didn't even have a piece of jade on him. What was the meaning of Shen Wanhe, the richest man in Jiangnan, dressing like this?
"My Lord, I am Shen Wanhe. I have been traveling a long way, so I have prepared some drinks and refreshments for you. Please do me a favor."

Shen Wanhe knelt on the ground, without raising his head, and replied with a respectful look, which made Yang Chi feel happy. So what if he was the richest man? He was still crawling in front of him.

"Haha, get up. I've always heard that Shen Wanhe is a wonderful person, but I've never met him. It's a pity. Today, after meeting him, I find that he is indeed as famous as he is said to be. Don't be so humble. Come on, bring the things over here."

"Yes, godfather."

Xiao Guizi naturally understood what her godfather meant. She took out a package from the frame and walked directly to Shen Wanhe. Without saying a word, she handed the package over.

Shen Wanhe had just stood up and was still a little confused. He took the package and didn't know what it meant, so he asked;
"Excuse me, sir, what's in here?"

(End of this chapter)